An Attitude of Gratitude

Expressing thanks has become a lost art in our culture. As we launch into the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, I walk into stores and see rows of big-screen TVs for sale, while the nativity scenes get relegated to the bargain bin in back of the store.

 

Do I get caught up in the hustle and bustle? You bet. In fact, I already decorated our home for Christmas. My husband and I are preparing to go to Indiana for over a week for Thanksgiving, and I thought it would feel great to have the house clean and decorated for the holidays when we return. I have so many writing projects on my plate that I knew I had better decorate early this year so I can just focus on my writing when I return from Indiana.

 

And I recently began my Christmas shopping, too. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a "gifty" person. I absolutely love to give gifts! To me, gift-giving is a way for me to express things to a loved one that I might not express in words. In the past, I've often gone overboard with my gift spending. I'm trying not to do that this year. In fact, I'm planning to do MANY things differently this year.

 

The main goal of my plan this year is to SIMPLIFY THE SEASON by FOCUSING ON THE PERSON AND WORK OF CHRIST.

 

As Thanksgiving approaches, I'm called to reflect on all that I'm thankful for. I have so much: my salvation, God's Word, an incredible husband, godly parents who pray for me every day, a brother and three sisters that I adore, friends that bring joy to my life. Love. Joy. Health. Freedom. A career that I truly enjoy. A beautiful apartment home. Two dependable cars. Two cats and four sweet kittens to care for. What more could I ask?

 

Peaks and valleys mark the lives of us all - good times and rough times when we may question God's goodness and His plan. But ultimately, we praise Him not for what we have or even for what He does, but for WHO HE IS. As Job says in the Bible, "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."   

 

So how does gratitude affect our holidays? In many ways. I'm seeking to simplify my life, spend less, and reflect more. Make more gifts and make them more personal. Spend less time shopping and more time telling my family and friends what they mean to me.

 

Recently, at Barnes & Noble, I read a book called Debt-Proof the Holidays: How to Have an All-Cash Christmas by Mary Hunt. The book describes ways to keep from going into debt during the hoidays. I highly recommend it! Catalin and I plan to follow this strategy this year so we can maximize the joy and minimize the stress and materialism that seem to sneak in when we least expect them.

 

What are your plans for celebrating the Thanksgiving and Christmas season? Do you have strategies for spending less that you'd like to share? How do you make your holidays special? Please share your own traditions here. Thank you!